I found this dory in a friend’s barn, full of refuse, dead insects and rodents, bird skeletons, dilapidated, rotten and smashed in. It was love at first sight. Over several years of part time work, using John Gardener’s Dory Book as reference, I deconstructed the boat and completely replaced everything but the ten original planks. This wholly unrealistic project spanned several locations, (and strained a few friendships), working in friends barns, garages, workshops, driveways, etc. Most of the new wood and hardware was salvaged from other boat projects around the community. And I owe much to my friends for being so generous, helpful and patient. After all of that, I decided to name her “Hope.” I use her for charity fundraising; donating fly fishing trips and rowboat picnics to local fisheries conservation projects and educational programs. I guide fly fishermen on the local saltwater beaches and lakes for sea-run coastal cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. Hope makes a fine camping and touring boat, and our local Puget Sound waters offer miles of small boat adventuring opportunity. I might add a sail rig someday. I might not. Rowing under the stars on a cool summer night is sublime.
